CN101156294B - Charging system for field devices - Google Patents

Abstract

Translated fromChinese

一种现场设备(14)用的充电电路(102)，它有至少三种工作模式，并根据发生器(100)的电压在所述模式间自动切换。在第一种模式下，充电电路(102)提供电压调节。在第二种模式下，充电电路(102)使发生器(100)与能量存储装置(104)直接耦合。在第三种模式下，充电电路(102)使发生器(100)与能量存储装置(104)脱开。本发明还公开一种利用这种充电电路(102)的现场设备(14)。

A charging circuit (102) for a field device (14) has at least three operating modes and automatically switches between said modes based on the voltage of a generator (100). In a first mode, the charging circuit (102) provides voltage regulation. In a second mode, the charging circuit (102) directly couples the generator (100) to the energy storage device (104). In a third mode, the charging circuit (102) decouples the generator (100) from the energy storage device (104). The invention also discloses a field device (14) utilizing the charging circuit (102).

Description

Translated fromChinese

现场设备用的充电系统Charging systems for field devices

技术领域technical field

在工业设备中，将控制系统用于监视和控制工业以及化学过程的进展等。一般情况下，控制系统使用分布在工业过程的关键位置的现场设备来实现这些功能，所述现场设备是通过程控制回路耦合到控制室的控制电路的。现场设备指的是在分布式控制或过程监视系统中可以完成一项功能的任何设备，其中包括用来测量、控制，以及监视工业过程的所有设备。In industrial plants, control systems are used to monitor and control the progress of industrial and chemical processes, etc. Typically, control systems implement these functions using field devices distributed at key locations in the industrial process that are coupled to control circuits in the control room through process control loops. A field device refers to any device that can perform a function in a distributed control or process monitoring system, including all devices used to measure, control, and monitor industrial processes.

背景技术Background technique

出于各种不同的目的，过程控制和测量工业使用现场设备。通常，这样的设备具有坚硬的现场封闭外壳，因此，可以把它们户外安装在相对来说恶劣的环境里，它们能够忍受温度、湿度、振动、机械冲击等极端气候条件。一般情况下，这些设备还能够在相当低的功率下工作。例如，从公知的4-20毫安回路接受全部操作功率的现场设备，目前都是可以使用的。The process control and measurement industries use field devices for a variety of purposes. Typically, such devices have hard field-enclosed housings, so they can be installed outdoors in relatively harsh environments, and they can withstand extreme climatic conditions such as temperature, humidity, vibration, mechanical shock, etc. In general, these devices are also able to operate on relatively low power. For example, field devices that receive full operating power from well-known 4-20 mA loops are currently available.

一些现场设备包括一个传感器。传感器应理解为可以根据物理输入产生输出的设备，或者可以根据输入信号产生物理输出的设备。在一般情况下，传感器将输出转换成具有不同模式的输出。传感器的类型包括：各种不同的分析设备、压力传感器、热敏电阻、温差电偶、应力计、流量传感器、定位器、传动装置、螺旋管、指示灯及其它。Some field devices include a sensor. A sensor is to be understood as a device that can produce an output from a physical input, or a device that can produce a physical output from an input signal. In general, sensors convert the output into outputs with different patterns. Types of sensors include: various analytical devices, pressure sensors, thermistors, thermocouples, strain gauges, flow sensors, positioners, actuators, solenoids, indicator lights and others.

在一般情况下，每种现场设备在过程控制回路上还包括用于与过程控制室进行通信联系的通信电路或其它电路。在有些设备中，所述过程控制回路还用于将规则的电流和/或电压传递给现场设备，以便为现场设备供电。In general, each field device also includes communication or other circuitry on the process control loop for communicating with the process control room. In some devices, the process control loop is also used to deliver regular current and/or voltage to the field devices to power the field devices.

按照传统方式，随着每个设备通过单个双线控制回路连接到控制室，模拟式现场设备通过双线的过程控制电流回路连接到控制室。一般情况下，在两根线之间维持一个电压的差动，其范围对于模拟方式为12-45伏，而对于数字方式为9-50伏。一些模拟式现场设备，通过把电流回路中流动的电流调制到与检测到的过程变量成正比的电流而发送信号。另外的模拟式现场设备，可以在控制室的控制下通过控制流过回路的电流的大小来完成动作。除此之外，或者是按照可供选择的方式，所述过程控制回路可以携带数字信号，用于与现场设备进行通信。数字式通信与模拟式通信相比，允许具有大得多的联通程度。而且，数字式设备还不需要用于每个现场设备的单独连线。数字式通信的现场设备可以与控制室和/或其它现场设备进行选择性的响应和联通。此外，这样的设备还可以提供附加的信号，比如对话和/或报警。Traditionally, analog field devices are connected to the control room through a two-wire process control current loop, with each device connected to the control room through a single two-wire control loop. Typically, a voltage differential is maintained between the two wires in the range of 12-45 volts for analog and 9-50 volts for digital. Some analog field devices send signals by modulating the current flowing in the current loop to a current proportional to the sensed process variable. Other analog field devices can complete actions by controlling the magnitude of the current flowing through the loop under the control of the control room. Additionally, or alternatively, the process control loop may carry digital signals for communication with field devices. Digital communication allows a much greater degree of connectivity than analog communication. Furthermore, digital devices do not require separate wiring for each field device. Digitally communicating field devices can selectively respond and communicate with the control room and/or other field devices. Furthermore, such devices can also provide additional signals, such as dialogue and/or alarms.

在有些设备中，无线技术已经开始用于与现场设备的联通。无线操作减化了现场设备的连线和建立过程。在当前使用的无线设备中，将现场设备制造成包括可由太阳能电池充电的内部电池或储电池。由于太阳能板的电压变化范围很宽，所以产生一种复杂问题，即耦合到光电太阳能板的充电电路。在低光强(小于5000勒克斯)条件下，小型的太阳能板只能提供1到20毫瓦。相反，在全日照条件下，同一个太阳能板可输出1到2瓦特。当太阳能板充电系统的安装位置可以使其受到阳光的直射时，现有的太阳能板充电系统的设计还是可以优化功率输出的。如果太阳能板的定位区域必须在接受不到日光直射的位置，则这些现有的系统就不能有效地操作，并必须大幅度地增加太阳能板的尺寸和成本以产生有效的功率。提供可以有效地储存来自能量变化范围很宽的发生器(如太阳能板)的无线现场设备的充电电路，有可能将标准化的太阳能板或发生器用于大量的太阳能应用场合。In some devices, wireless technology has begun to be used to communicate with field devices. Wireless operation simplifies the wiring and setup of field devices. In currently used wireless devices, the field device is manufactured to include an internal battery or storage battery that can be charged by a solar cell. Due to the wide range of voltage variations of the solar panel, a complication arises that is coupled to the charging circuit of the photovoltaic solar panel. Under low light intensity (less than 5000 lux) conditions, small solar panels can only provide 1 to 20 milliwatts. Conversely, the same solar panel can output 1 to 2 watts in full sun. Existing solar panel charging systems are designed to optimize power output when the solar panel charging system is installed in such a location that it is exposed to direct sunlight. If the solar panels had to be positioned in a location that did not receive direct sunlight, these existing systems could not operate efficiently and the size and cost of the solar panels had to be greatly increased to generate effective power. Providing a charging circuit for a wireless field device that can efficiently store energy from a generator that varies widely, such as a solar panel, makes it possible to use a standardized solar panel or generator for a large number of solar applications.

发明内容Contents of the invention

本发明公开了一种用于现场设备的充电电路，所述充电电路具有至少三种工作模式，并能根据发生器的电压，在所述模式之间自动地切换。按照第一种模式，充电电路提供电压调节。按照第二种模式，充电电路将发生器直接耦合到能量存储装置，按照第三种模式，充电电路使发生器与能量存储装置脱开。本发明还公开一种利用这种充电电路的现场设备。The invention discloses a charging circuit for field equipment. The charging circuit has at least three working modes and can automatically switch between the modes according to the voltage of a generator. In the first mode, the charging circuit provides voltage regulation. In a second mode, the charging circuit couples the generator directly to the energy storage device, and in a third mode, the charging circuit decouples the generator from the energy storage device. The invention also discloses a field device using the charging circuit.

附图说明Description of drawings

图1和图2是本发明所用实施例的典型现场设备的示意图和方块图；Figures 1 and 2 are schematic and block diagrams of typical field devices of embodiments used in the present invention;

图3是本发明所用实施例的无线现场设备的方块图；3 is a block diagram of a wireless field device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

图4是本发明一种实施例的功率模块的转换示意图；Fig. 4 is a schematic conversion diagram of a power module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

图5是表示本发明各种实施例可以使用的用来产生电的各种不同选项的发生器示意图；Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a generator showing various options for generating electricity that may be used by various embodiments of the present invention;

图6是本发明一种实施例充电电路的更为详细的方块图；Fig. 6 is a more detailed block diagram of a charging circuit of an embodiment of the present invention;

图7是说明本发明各实施例的各种不同充电电路模式发生器的电压对时间关系的示意图，；7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between voltage and time of various charging circuit pattern generators according to various embodiments of the present invention;

图8表示本发明另一个实施例的能量转换模块38。FIG. 8 shows anenergy conversion module 38 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

具体实施方式Detailed ways

虽然本文参照无线通信的现场设备对本发明的实施例进行一般的描述，但本领域的普通技术人员应类理解，可以利用希望得到更多的附加电能的任何现场设备，实现本发明的具体实施方式。无线现场设备可能需要从太阳能板或者其它形式的发生器导出所有的它的工作功率，并因此而能够从本发明的各实施例获得显著效益。然而，即使是有线的现场设备，如果需要通过它的有线连接获得比它所能得到的更多功率，也可以通过本发明的实施例得到附加的功率。Although the embodiments of the present invention are generally described herein with reference to field devices for wireless communication, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that any field device desiring to obtain more additional power can be used to implement the specific embodiments of the present invention . A wireless field device may need to derive all of its operating power from a solar panel or other form of generator, and thus can derive significant benefits from embodiments of the present invention. However, even a wired field device that needs more power than it can get through its wired connection can get additional power through embodiments of the present invention.

图1和2是本发明常用实施例的典型的有线现场设备的示意图和方块图。过程控制或监视系统10包括：控制室或控制系统12，所述控制室或控制系统12在双线过程控制回路16上与一个或多个现场设备14耦合。所述过程控制回路16的实例包括：模拟4-20毫安通信；包括模拟和数字通信二者在内的综合协议，如HART

(Highway Addressable Remote Transducer)标准；以及全数字协议，如FOUNDATION^TM现场总线标准。一般情况下，所述过程控制回路协议可以负责给现场设备供电，以及在现场设备和其它设备之间进行通信联系这样两项任务。1 and 2 are schematic and block diagrams of typical wired field devices of a general embodiment of the present invention. Process control ormonitoring system 10 includes a control room orcontrol system 12 coupled to one ormore field devices 14 over a two-wireprocess control loop 16 . Examples of theprocess control loop 16 include: analog 4-20 mA communication; comprehensive protocols including both analog and digital communication, such as HART

(Highway Addressable Remote Transducer) standard; and all-digital protocols, such as FOUNDATION^TM fieldbus standard. In general, the process control loop protocol may be responsible for both powering the field device and communicating between the field device and other devices.

此例中的现场设备14包括电路18，电路18经外壳23中的终端板21耦合到执行机构/传感器20。图中将现场设备14表示为可变过程(PV)发生器，其中，发生器一个过程相联系，并且检测过程的一个方面，比如过程的温度、压力、PH、流量，如此等等，并过程它们的指示值。现场设备的其它举例包括阀门、执行机构、控制器，以及显示器。Field device 14 in this example includescircuitry 18 coupled to actuator/sensor 20 via termination board 21 inhousing 23 . Thefield device 14 is shown in the figure as a variable process (PV) generator, wherein the generator is associated with a process and senses an aspect of the process, such as temperature, pressure, pH, flow rate of the process, etc., and communicates with the process their indicative values. Other examples of field devices include valves, actuators, controllers, and displays.

一般情况下，所述现场设备的特征在于：现场设备能够在使它们暴露于环境应力(如温度、湿度和压力)的“现场”工作。除环境应力之外，现场设备还必须经常承受腐蚀、伤害和/或甚至爆炸的氛围。进而，这样的现场设备还必须能够在存在振动和/或电磁干扰的情况下工作。In general, the field devices are characterized by their ability to operate "in the field" which exposes them to environmental stresses such as temperature, humidity and pressure. In addition to environmental stress, field devices must often withstand corrosive, damaging and/or even explosive atmospheres. Furthermore, such field devices must also be able to operate in the presence of vibration and/or electromagnetic interference.

图3是对于本发明实施例特别有用的无线现场设备的方块图。现场设备34包括功率转换模块38、控制器35、无线通信模块32，以及执行机构/传感器20。功率转换模块38可以是任何能够把潜在可能的能量转换为电能的设备。因此，功率转换模块38可以包括光电太阳能板和耦合到能量存储装置(如蓄电池)的相关充电电路。功率转换模块38可以是任何装置，已知的或者近来新开发的，它能够将潜在可能的能量转化成现场设备34所用的电能。比如，所述模块38可以利用公知技术从潜在可能的热能、风能、压缩气体，或者其它形式的可能能量产生电能。功率转换模块38可以为无线通信模块32单独提供能量，为现场设备34的其它部分提供能量，或者可以为整个现场设备34供电。Figure 3 is a block diagram of a wireless field device that is particularly useful for embodiments of the present invention.Field device 34 includespower conversion module 38 ,controller 35 ,wireless communication module 32 , and actuator/sensor 20 . Thepower conversion module 38 may be any device capable of converting potential energy into electrical energy. Accordingly,power conversion module 38 may include photovoltaic solar panels and associated charging circuitry coupled to an energy storage device, such as a battery. Thepower conversion module 38 may be any device, known or recently developed, capable of converting potential energy into electrical energy for use by thefield device 34 . For example, themodules 38 may generate electrical energy from potential heat, wind, compressed gas, or other forms of possible energy using known techniques. Thepower conversion module 38 may provide power to thewireless communication module 32 alone, power other parts of thefield device 34 , or may power theentire field device 34 .

无线通信模块32耦合到控制器35，并根据来自控制器35的命令和/或数据，经天线26与外部通信设备进行通信连接。无线通信模块32可以联通与过程相关的信息以及与设备相关的信息。根据应用，可以使无线通信模块32适于可按照任何合适的无线通信协议进行通信流联系，所述无线通信协议包括(但不限于)：无线联网技术(如IEEE802.11b无线接入点和由Linksys of Irvine，California建立的无线联网设备)、蜂窝式或数字联网技术(如California，San Jose的Aeris通信公司的Microburst

)、超宽带、自由空间光学、用于移动通信的全球系统(GSM)、通用包无线电服务(GPRS)、码分多址(CDMA)、扩展的频谱技术、红外通信技术、SMS(短信息服务/文本信息)、按照IEEE802.15.4的无线联网技术或者任何其它合适的无线技术。进而，可以使用公知的数据碰撞技术，以使多个单元可以共处在彼此的无线操作范围内。这种防止碰撞技术可以包括使用一系列不同的射频信道和/或扩展频谱技术。Thewireless communication module 32 is coupled to thecontroller 35 , and communicates with external communication devices via theantenna 26 according to commands and/or data from thecontroller 35 . Thewireless communication module 32 can communicate process-related information and device-related information. According to the application, thewireless communication module 32 can be adapted to carry out communication flow connection according to any suitable wireless communication protocol, the wireless communication protocol includes (but not limited to): wireless networking technology (such as IEEE802.11b wireless access point and Linksys of Irvine, California established wireless networking equipment), cellular or digital networking technology (such as California, San Jose's Microburst Communications Aeris Communications

), ultra-wideband, free-space optics, Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), spread spectrum technology, infrared communication technology, SMS (Short Message Service /text information), wireless networking technology according to IEEE802.15.4, or any other suitable wireless technology. Furthermore, known data collision techniques can be used so that multiple units can co-exist within wireless operating range of each other. Such collision avoidance techniques may include the use of a range of different radio frequency channels and/or spread spectrum techniques.

无线通信模块32还可以包括用于多种无线通信方法的收发器。比如，可以使用相当长距离的通信方法(如GSM或GPRS)实行主要的无线通信，而对于技术人员或单元附近的操作人员，比如使用IEEE802.11b或蓝牙协议，就可以提供次要的或者附加的通信方法。Thewireless communication module 32 may also include transceivers for various wireless communication methods. For example, the primary wireless communication can be carried out using relatively long-range communication methods such as GSM or GPRS, while secondary or additional communication method.

图4是本发明一种实施例转换模块38的示意图。转换模块38包括电能发生器100，电能发生器100耦合到充电电路102，充电电路102又耦合到能量存储装置104。充电电路102提供由现场设备使用的功率输出106。如图5所示的电能发生器100，它可以包括一个或多个单个的发生器模块。例如，电能发生器100可以包括光电板110、以风为基础的发生器112、以压缩空气为基础的发生器114、热力发生器116、以振动为基础的发生器117，或者它们的任意组合。转换模块38可以在现场设备内部实施，或者设置在现场设备的外部，并且与现场设备电连接，以便向现场设备提供能量。耦合到充电电路102的能量存储装置104可以是能够存储电能，并历时任何可用时间周期的任何合适的装置。例如，能量存储装置104可以是可重复充电电池，如胶质单元铅酸蓄电池，或者任何合适类型的电容器，如超级电容器。FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of aconversion module 38 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Theconversion module 38 includes anelectrical energy generator 100 coupled to acharging circuit 102 , which in turn is coupled to anenergy storage device 104 . The chargingcircuit 102 provides apower output 106 for use by the field device. Thepower generator 100 shown in FIG. 5 may include one or more individual generator modules. For example, theelectrical energy generator 100 may include aphotovoltaic panel 110, a wind-basedgenerator 112, a compressed air-basedgenerator 114, athermal generator 116, a vibration-basedgenerator 117, or any combination thereof . Theconversion module 38 may be implemented inside the field device, or arranged outside the field device, and electrically connected with the field device, so as to provide energy to the field device.Energy storage device 104 coupled to chargingcircuit 102 may be any suitable device capable of storing electrical energy for any available period of time. For example,energy storage device 104 may be a rechargeable battery, such as a gel-cell lead-acid battery, or any suitable type of capacitor, such as a supercapacitor.

图6是本发明一种实施例充电电路102更为详细的方块图。充电电路102包括多个导体120，它们耦合到发生器模块100。充电电路102包括测量模块122，测量模块122耦合到导体120，并适于提供导体120两端存在的电压是否超过第一和/或第二电压阈值的指示。测量电路122可以是任何合适的装置，只要能够响应导体120两端测量的电压幅度，而提供一个信号即可。测量模块122可以包括模拟-数字转换器、比较器电路、一个或多个参考电位源，或者是它们的任意组合。测量模块122为充电电路102的工作提供至少三种模式。在第一种模式下，测量模块122将两个输出端124和126设置成低的或者说是断开状态。因此，无论是旁路分支128，还是断路器130都不接通。相应地，来自发生器100的能量穿过导体120流入电压调节器132，这样就对能量存储装置104提供线性电压调节。当测量电路122确定导体120两端的电压下降而小于第一阈值(旁路阈值)时，测量电路122耦接旁路分支128，使导体120有效地耦合至能量存储装置104，而不通过电压调节器132。按照这种模式，把整个充电电路102设计成消耗小于200毫瓦。这样，就在发生器的电输出减小的条件下，例如，在背荫时工作的太阳能电池板或光电池条件下，给出非常有效的工作。FIG. 6 is a more detailed block diagram of the chargingcircuit 102 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The chargingcircuit 102 includes a plurality ofconductors 120 that are coupled to thegenerator module 100 . The chargingcircuit 102 includes ameasurement module 122 coupled to theconductor 120 and adapted to provide an indication of whether the voltage present across theconductor 120 exceeds a first and/or a second voltage threshold. Measuringcircuit 122 may be any suitable device capable of providing a signal responsive to the magnitude of the voltage measured acrossconductor 120 . Themeasurement module 122 may include an analog-to-digital converter, a comparator circuit, one or more reference potential sources, or any combination thereof. Themeasurement module 122 provides at least three modes for the operation of the chargingcircuit 102 . In a first mode, themeasurement module 122 sets the twooutputs 124 and 126 to a low or off state. Therefore, neither thebypass branch 128 nor thecircuit breaker 130 is closed. Accordingly, energy fromgenerator 100 flows throughconductor 120 intovoltage regulator 132 , which provides linear voltage regulation toenergy storage device 104 . Whenmeasurement circuit 122 determines that the voltage acrossconductor 120 has dropped below a first threshold (the bypass threshold),measurement circuit 122 couples bypassbranch 128 to effectively coupleconductor 120 toenergy storage device 104 without voltage regulation.device 132. In this mode, theentire charging circuit 102 is designed to consume less than 200 milliwatts. This gives a very efficient operation under conditions where the electrical output of the generator is reduced, for example in the case of solar panels or photovoltaic cells operating in the shade.

当通过测量电路122在导体120两端测得的电压下降而低于较低的第二阈值(断路阈值)时，测量电路122通过引线124识别旁路分支128，并代之以通过引线126耦接断路器130，从而以多元方式使能量存储装置104与充电电路断开。按照这种模式，比如，当太阳能板夜间工作时，电路102的作用是防止能量存储装置104通过发生器100反方向放电。When the voltage measured acrossconductor 120 bymeasurement circuit 122 drops below a second, lower threshold (open circuit threshold),measurement circuit 122 identifiesbypass branch 128 vialead 124 and instead couples vialead 126Circuit breaker 130 is connected to disconnectenergy storage device 104 from the charging circuit in a multi-component manner. In this mode, the function of thecircuit 102 is to prevent theenergy storage device 104 from being discharged through thegenerator 100 in the opposite direction, for example, when the solar panel is operating at night.

图7是发生器电压对于时间的示意图，说明本发明实施例的各种不同的充电电路模式。在时间t₀，发生器电压是V_initial，由于V_initial超过旁路阈值140，所以充电电路按线性模式工作。在这种模式下，充电电路向能量存储装置提供经调节的电压输出。在时间t₁，来自发生器的电压跨过旁路阈值140，充电电路102进入“直接”模式。在这种模式下，充电电路使发生器与能量存储装置直接耦合，同时充电电路以尽可能小的能量进行工作。例如，将充电电路102的电路设计成，使其在这种模式下消耗小于200毫瓦。最后，在时间t₂，发生器的电压跨过截止阈值142，充电电路102进入断开模式。在这种模式下，能量存储装置与发生器完全断开。这就能够保证能量存储装置不会通过发生器反方向放电。Figure 7 is a graph of generator voltage versus time illustrating various charging circuit modes of an embodiment of the present invention. At time t₀ , the generator voltage is V_initial , and since V_initial exceeds thebypass threshold 140 , the charging circuit operates in linear mode. In this mode, the charging circuit provides a regulated voltage output to the energy storage device. At time t₁ , the voltage from the generator crossesbypass threshold 140 and chargingcircuit 102 enters "direct" mode. In this mode, the charging circuit couples the generator directly to the energy storage device while the charging circuit operates with as little energy as possible. For example, the circuitry of chargingcircuit 102 is designed such that it consumes less than 200 milliwatts in this mode. Finally, at time t₂ , the voltage of the generator crosses the cut-offthreshold 142 and the chargingcircuit 102 enters an off-mode. In this mode, the energy storage device is completely disconnected from the generator. This ensures that the energy storage device is not discharged in the opposite direction through the generator.

图8表示的是本发明另一实施例的能量转换模块38。图8中表示的实施例特别适合于能量存储装置104是胶质单元铅酸蓄电池的情况。这样的电池可能会受到过充电的损伤。为了解决这个潜在可能的问题，将温度传感器146热耦接到电池104。温度传感器146电连接到充电电路102，以使充电电路102能够把充电电压限制到与环境温度无关的安全浮动值。图8还表示出在充电电路102内的可选的电池保护电路148(用虚线表示)。电池保护电路148可以包括任何有助于延长电池寿命和/或诊断电池148中任何故障的电路。例如，如果电池遇到短路，或者如果使电池电压下降得太多，都可能会缩短电池的寿命。因此，电池保护电路148可以包括在电池电压有可能下降太低时能够检测，并禁止从电池进一步取出电能的电路。此外，电池保护电路148可以包括电流限制电路，或者能够测量从电池104取出的电流量，并且一旦变得过大则禁止或减少这种电流的电路。FIG. 8 shows anenergy conversion module 38 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment shown in FIG. 8 is particularly suitable where theenergy storage device 104 is a gel cell lead-acid battery. Such batteries may be damaged by overcharging. To address this potential problem, a temperature sensor 146 is thermally coupled to thebattery 104 . The temperature sensor 146 is electrically connected to the chargingcircuit 102 to enable the chargingcircuit 102 to limit the charging voltage to a safe floating value independent of the ambient temperature. FIG. 8 also shows an optional battery protection circuit 148 (shown in phantom) within the chargingcircuit 102 .Battery protection circuitry 148 may include any circuitry that assists in extending battery life and/or diagnosing any faults inbattery 148 . For example, if the battery experiences a short circuit, or if you drop the battery voltage too much, it can shorten the life of the battery. Accordingly,battery protection circuitry 148 may include circuitry that detects when the battery voltage is likely to drop too low, and inhibits further extraction of power from the battery. Additionally, thebattery protection circuit 148 may include a current limiting circuit, or a circuit capable of measuring the amount of current drawn from thebattery 104 and inhibiting or reducing such current if it becomes too high.

虽然参照优选实施例描述了本发明，但本领域的普通技术人员应能理解，在不偏离本发明的构思和范围的条件下，在形式上和细节上可以进行许多变化。Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that many changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (13)

1. charging system that field apparatus is used, described charging system comprises:

Electric generator is used to produce electric energy;

Charging circuit, with described electric generator coupling, and the voltage output that is configured to measure described electric generator;

Electrical storage device is with described charging circuit coupling;

Wherein, described charging circuit comprises the output that energy is provided to field apparatus, and described charging circuit is arranged to work by one of three kinds of patterns that comprise linear model, bypass mode and Disconnected mode according to the voltage output of described electric generator; And

When the output of the voltage of described electric generator is lower than bypass threshold and during greater than cutout threshold, described charging circuit is in bypass mode,

Under bypass mode, described electric generator directly is coupled with described electrical storage device,

Wherein, when the voltage of described electric generator was exported greater than bypass threshold, described charging circuit was in linear model, and under linear model, described charging circuit provides adjustable output to described electrical storage device;

Wherein, when the voltage output of described electric generator was lower than cutout threshold, described charging circuit was in Disconnected mode, and under Disconnected mode, described charging circuit disconnects described electrical storage device and described electric generator.

2. charging system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, under bypass mode, described charging circuit consumption is less than 200 milliwatts.

3. charging system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, described electric generator comprises photocell.

4. charging system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, described electric generator comprises generator module based on wind, heating power generator module, based on the generator of Compressed Gas, and at least a based in the generator of vibration.

5. charging system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, described electrical storage device is rechargeable storage battery.

6. charging system as claimed in claim 5, wherein, described rechargeable storage battery is a gel cell lead-acid battery.

7. charging system as claimed in claim 6, wherein, this charging system also comprises temperature sensor, and temperature sensor and gel cell lead-acid battery heat couple, and be electrically connected with charging circuit, and described charging circuit is according to the temperature limitation charging current of described gel cell lead-acid battery.

8. as any described charging system in the claim 5 to 7, wherein, this charging system also comprises battery protecting circuit.

9. field apparatus comprises:

The transducer that operationally is coupled with process;

Controller with described sensors coupled;

Communication module with described controller coupling becomes to provide the procedure communication function with this block configuration;

Energy conversion module it is provided provide electric energy to described field apparatus, and described energy conversion module comprises:

Electric generator is used to produce electric energy;

With the charging circuit of described electric generator coupling, this circuit arrangement is become to measure the voltage output of described electric generator;

Electrical storage device with described charging circuit coupling;

Wherein, described charging circuit comprises the output that energy is provided to field apparatus, and described charging circuit is arranged to according to the pattern work of the voltage of described electric generator output by one of three kinds of mode of operations, described three kinds of mode of operations comprise linear model, bypass mode and Disconnected mode; And

When the output of the voltage of described electric generator is lower than bypass threshold and during greater than cutout threshold, described charging circuit is in bypass mode, and under bypass mode, described electric generator directly with described electrical storage device coupling,

Wherein, when the voltage of described electric generator was exported greater than bypass threshold, described charging circuit was in linear model, and under linear model, described charging circuit provides adjustable output to described electrical storage device;

Wherein, when the voltage output of described electric generator was lower than cutout threshold, described charging circuit was in Disconnected mode, and under Disconnected mode, described charging circuit disconnects described electrical storage device and described electric generator.

10. field apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein, described communication module is a wireless communication module.

11. field apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein, described electric generator comprises photocell.

12. field apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein, described electrical storage device is a gel cell lead-acid battery.

13. field apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein, this field apparatus also comprises temperature sensor, this temperature sensor and gel cell lead-acid battery heat couple, and be electrically connected with described charging circuit, and described charging circuit is according to the temperature limitation charging current of gel cell lead-acid battery.

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